The Sexual Violence Research Podcast
The Sexual Violence Research Podcast is produced by the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI). It features expert guests discussing research and practical approaches to ending violence against women and violence against children. The show explores how evidence and innovation can help build a world free from this violence. Listeners hear conversations on prevention, response, and the systems needed to support survivors.
Episodes
S5E7 Violence in Institutions: Abuse in Sport
Sport is often celebrated as a path to health, confidence, belonging and opportunity. But for many, it can also be a space where abuse, exploitation and violence occur and are too often minimised or ignored. In this episode, we explore what abuse in sport really looks like, from harmful coaching practices and emotional abuse to sexual violence and online harassment. We discuss why safeguarding can
S5E6 Preventing Human Trafficking Through Research and Action
Human trafficking is a global human rights violation with devastating consequences for individuals, families and communities. Yet preventing trafficking and supporting survivors requires far more than law enforcement alone. It demands early-prevention, collaboration and survivor leadership.In this episode, we explore how research can drive stronger responses to trafficking in persons, from shaping
S5E5 Preventing Child Sexual Abuse at Scale: What Does It Take?
The profound impact of child sexual abuse demands that we prevent it. Yet the evidence base remains thin, and we know even less about how to scale prevention programmes effectively. In this episode, we explore what it really takes to prevent child sexual abuse at scale. We look at why scaling prevention programmes is so challenging, what it means to maintain quality while expanding reach, and the
S5E4 Understanding and Preventing IPV Perpetration Among Adults
If we are truly committed to preventing intimate partner violence (IPV), we need to understand not only survivors’ experiences, but also the behaviours, pathways, and systems that lead people to use violence in the first place.In this episode, we explore the complex and often challenging field of IPV perpetration prevention, how violent behaviours develop and persist into adulthood, and how econom
S5E3 Preventing Harmful Sexual Behaviour Among Children
When we think about who perpetrates sexual violence against children, we often picture adults. But, research suggests that a significant proportion of sexual harm against children is committed by other children and young people - and yet this remains an underresearched, underfunded, and frequently misunderstood area of sexual violence prevention.In this episode, we explore what harmful sexual beha
S5E2 Missing from the Data: The Invisible Crisis of Sexual Violence Against LGBTQI+ Youth
LGBTQI+ young people face disproportionate levels of sexual violence and exploitation globally. Yet in many countries, they remain invisible - in health systems, policies, research and prevention programming. In many parts of the world where same-sex relationships are criminalised, collecting evidence comes with significant risks for these young people who are already facing high levels of stigma
S5E1 SVRI Forum 2026: Making space for conversations that matter to end GBV
In this episode, we take you inside the SVRI Forum - the world’s leading global conference dedicated to research, practice, and action on violence against women, violence against children, and other forms of violence driven by gender inequality.Hear what makes the SVRI Forum unlike any other event in the field - from its electric energy and interdisciplinary collaboration to its commitment to turn
S4E11 Turning Evidence into Action: Are Global Actors Delivering on GBV Prevention?
Translating research into real-world programs, policies, and advocacy is essential for ending violence against women and children. Yet, despite clear evidence, gender based violence (GBV) prevention is often treated as a “social issue” rather than a core governance responsibility.In this episode, we explore what it means to turn evidence into action for GBV prevention, how global actors are approa
S4E10 How Male Supremacism Drives Gender Based Violence
Male supremacism is the belief that men are more important, more valuable, or should have more power than women; reinforcing gender inequality, and creating the conditions in which violence against women, non-binary people and LGBTIQ people is more likely to occur and to be tolerated or excused. While it shows up in everyday norms, cultural messages and institutions, its most concentrated forms dr
S4E9 Can Policy Reform Help Reduce Intimate Partner Violence?
Policy reform has enormous potential to prevent intimate partner violence (IPV) - yet this area is surprisingly under-researched. Through systems such as education, legal frameworks, and social protection policies, governments and their policies are uniquely placed to shape the environments in which violence either thrives - or is prevented.So, what policies can reduce intimate partner violence at
S4E8 Understanding IPV Over Time: The Power of Longitudinal Research
Understanding intimate partner violence (IPV) requires more than a snapshot in time. Long-term studies that follow people and communities over years can reveal patterns, risks, and protective factors as well as outcomes that shorter-term research often overlooks. They help us see how violence develops, changes, or declines across different stages of life.In this episode, we explore why this kind o
S4E7 Gender-Based Violence in Higher Education: Rethinking Institutional Responses
Universities and colleges are meant to be spaces of learning, growth, and opportunity. Yet for many, they can also be environments where sexual and gender based violence occurs and is left unaddressed. Power imbalances, entrenched hierarchies, and lack of oversight mean survivors are often silenced while perpetrators go unchallenged.In this episode, Dr Anna Bull, Senior Lecturer of Education and S
S4E6 Field Building in Crisis - Sustaining the violence prevention sector in unprecedented times
Around the world, organisations and activists working to end violence against women and violence against children are facing unprecedented threats, from political instability to shrinking civic space and economic strain. Most recently the devastating cuts to global development funding - particularly the closure of major donors like USAID - has sent shockwaves through the sector. For those who work
S4E5 GBV and LGBTQ+ Communities: Addressing the Research Gap
This week we turn our attention to gender-based violence and LGBTQ+ communities. GBV within LGBTQ+ communities is a serious yet under-researched issue. In many global and humanitarian settings, the experiences of queer and trans people are frequently ignored or erased and much of the existing research tends to focus on heteronormative, high income country perspectives. Where targeted research does
S4E4 Working with Faith Leaders in Prevention and Response to Gender Based Violence
Faith and religion are central to the lives of billions of people around the world. In many communities, faith leaders are among the most trusted voices, holding significant influence in shaping beliefs, attitudes and behaviours. This makes them powerful allies in the prevention of and response to gender based violence (GBV), yet working at the intersection of faith and GBV can be complex. In this
S4E3 Conflict-related Sexual Violence - Centering Survivors
Conflict zones are places of immense hardship - with people facing displacement, broken healthcare systems, and separation from families and communities. But when sexual violence is added to the equation, the challenges for survivors become even greater. Conflict-related sexual violence is not only deeply traumatising, it is also used as a tool of control, instilling fear, silencing communities, a
S4E2 New Tools for Measuring Sexual Violence Interventions
Measuring the impact of violence prevention interventions is crucial to understanding which efforts are truly making a difference in reducing sexual violence. But are the current methods able to capture the full scope of this complex issue? What if there were more reliable, comprehensive ways to assess the true effectiveness of our work.In this episode, Sangeeta Chatterji, Director of Research at
S4E1: Masculinity, Misogyny, and the Manosphere - A Conversation with Gary Barker
The manosphere is a sprawling online network of forums, influencers, and content that brings together ideas about men, power, gender roles and identity, often promoting misogyny and even driving real-world violence. The manosphere’s influence is growing and becoming a powerful force in shaping young men's world views. But what do we actually know about the manosphere, and what needs to be done
S3E12: Impact and Memory - Voices from the SVRI Forum 2024
The SVRI Forum 2024 brought together a diverse group of researchers, activists, donors, practitioners, and survivors, united by a shared goal: to create a world free from violence against women and violence against children.
In this special episode, we hear from 10 of the incredible voices who attended the Forum in Cape Town, South Africa. These changemakers reflect on their favourite moments, key
S3E11: Activism in Action: The Power of the 16 Days Campaign To End Violence
The fight against gender-based violence is a 365 day commitment, but for 16 days each year, the global community unites to raise awareness, ignite conversations, and take action during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
In this special co-hosted episode with UN Women, we take a deep dive into the significance of this annual campaign and the critical work being done to address g
S3E10: The Power of Data: Protecting Children from Sexual Violence
One in five girls and one in seven boys will experience some form of sexual violence before their 18th birthday. These statistics are shocking, and high-quality data is crucial for driving tangible change and reducing these numbers.
In this episode, we learn more about the Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys (VACS), the largest source of data on violence against children worldwide. We’re j
S3E9: The Powerful Journey of Two Activists
Survivors hold the key to bringing about empowering and systemic change in the field of gender-based violence. Their stories and their voices must be at the forefront of decision making and policymaking.
In this episode we hear the stories of two extraordinary activists, Kolbassia Haoussou MBE and Jac sm Kee.
Kolbassia is a torture survivor who experienced awful conditions when fleeing persecution
S3E8: How Online Pornography is Fueling Sexual Violence Among Young People
By the age of 16 more than 90% of boys will have watched online pornography, some even as young as nine. Research is also showing us that exposure to increasingly graphic and violent pornography is influencing the sexual behaviours and attitudes of young people, becoming one of their main sources of sexual education.
In this episode we examine the different types of violent sexual behaviours young
S3E7: Adapting IPV Prevention Programmes: Key Insights and Best Practices
With around 30% of women globally experiencing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), the need for effective and adaptable interventions is more urgent than ever. In response to this need, the SVRI has developed IPV Adaptation Guidance which highlights adaptation is not a one-size-fits-all process; it must be tailored to suit many different cultural, social, and economic contexts.
In this episode of the
S3E6: Addressing violence against LGBTQI+ people
Sexual violence can happen to anyone and by anyone, but research shows LGBTQI+ communities are targeted specifically because of their identities. While we have seen huge steps towards fairer treatment of LGBTQI+ people, a widespread anti-gender movement is making it more difficult for organisations to effectively prevent and respond to violence against the queer community.
In this episode, we hea
S3E5 How can we prevent technology facilitated child sexual violence?
Online spaces were not created or designed with children in mind. Children are exposed to all kinds of content on the internet, and interact with strangers daily. As the internet is now ubiquitous in the lives of our children and new technologies emerge rapidly, what can we do to keep them safe from online child sexual violence?
In this episode our guests discuss:
How technology facilitates viol
S3E4 Understanding the psychology of men who use violence
Why do certain men use violence in certain situations? How do they rationalise their actions? And should researchers approach them with empathy? From masculine ideals, to patriarchal structures, to jealousy, there are many psychological, societal and cultural factors at play in these dynamics.
In this episode our guests walk us through their experiences in researching violent men, what is needed t
S3E3 How can we improve safeguarding against sexual abuse in the humanitarian sector?
Why is it still so hard to talk about sexual exploitation and abuse within humanitarian agencies? What are we doing to safeguard against this kind of violence? While we are slowly building the tools and policies to combat the issues, there are still barriers and challenges the sector needs to address.
In this episode we discuss whether attitudes and behaviours towards reporting sexual exploitation
S3E2 Are RCTs The Best Way to Evaluate Violence Interventions?
What works and what doesn’t in reducing violence driven by gender inequality? While many teams around the world search for the perfect intervention methods to address this pervasive issue, finding out whether those interventions actually work is extremely difficult.
In this episode we discuss the effectiveness and drawbacks of complex evaluation methods, like randomised controlled trials, and lear
S3E1 Making just and inclusive systems for change
To shift the balance of power and control, to end violence driven by gender inequality, we need deep systemic change. Creating just and inclusive systems for change requires more funding for research - and that funding needs to support the communities at the frontline of violence.
In this episode we learn about global collaborative Co-Impact’s radical new approach to philanthropy in disrupting an
S2E12 Collective Care and Kindness
“Change starts from within us.” With so many important goals to achieve, it can be difficult to remember the importance of prioritising health and happiness. But what if we approached work and life with more kindness, focussing on our wellbeing and the welfare of everyone around us?
In this episode we explore the concept of ‘collective care’ - the practice of taking responsibility for the wellbein
S2E11 Technology facilitated gender-based violence
From trolling to stalking to the sharing of intimate images, technology has facilitated a wide range of threats against women. But what implications does online violence have in the real-world? And how do we measure the impacts and gather data for research?
In this episode we explore how the internet has impacted the safety and wellbeing of women, affecting them both psychologically and physically
S2E10 Improving the Way We Measure Impact
Measuring the impact of violence prevention interventions is an incredibly important part of the process, as it allows us to understand what works and what doesn’t. But can the way we assess outcomes be improved?
In this episode we learn about the “any” versus “no” metric we often use in our field to measure outcomes - and the limitations of this binary approach. We discover new, more nuanced meas
S2E9 The Role Of Climate Change In Violence Against Women
The United Nations estimates 80% of people displaced by climate change are women, putting them at greater risk of violence, including sexual violence.
In this episode, we discuss the often overlooked role of climate change in exacerbating violence against women, why women are so disproportionately affected by climate related natural disasters and how women in some regions of the world are more im
S2E8 How To Conduct Ethical Research
How do we ensure research in the area of violence against women and violence against children is ethical and ethically funded?
In this episode, we hear some of the unique challenges and risks when it comes to research in this field and discuss how researchers should go about planning and conducting ethical programmes. We also consider how to ensure ethical funding for research and discuss some of
S2E7 Taking back power and control in research
Who has the power when it comes to research in the area of violence against women and violence against girls? And what can we do to ensure that power is distributed in the right places?
In this episode, we try to understand the role power dynamics play in the area of sexual violence research and what can be done to ensure funding is distributed fairly. Plus we explore why putting women’s voices
S2E6 Research for Impact
How do we ensure research in the area of violence against women and violence against girls leads to meaningful change?
Research for impact is often neglected due to a number of factors, including lack of time and funding. In this episode, we explore why research uptake should be made a priority and how to go about putting together an effective impact strategy. Plus we meet researchers whose projec
S2E5 Engaging religious and spiritual leaders in addressing violence against women
Faith and spiritual leaders are often deeply trusted and hugely influential people in the heart of their communities. In this episode, we consider the role religious leaders can play in ending violence against women and violence against children.
We discuss how religious beliefs may contribute to violence, how the patriarchal nature of religious institutions can both condone and drive violence aga
S2E4 Technology facilitated sexual violence against children
As the world’s use of technology grows, so too does it’s role in facilitating sexual violence against children. Throughout this episode we consider the real-world impacts of technology facilitated violence against children, the research that is happening in this area and what tech platforms and governments can do to counter this threat.
We also consider the links between online and offline experie
S2E3 Engaging men and boys - what works?
Engaging men and boys in violence prevention programmes can produce real world benefits. This strategy - to be successful - has to be implemented in an ethical and accountable way and centred on women and girls experiences and needs. It cannot be implemented just for the sake of involving men and as a silver bullet to end violence.
In this episode, we hear about some of the projects that hav
S2E2 Practise-Based Knowledge
There are many methods of gathering research, data and evidence in the work we do to end violence against women and violence against girls. One of those approaches is practice-based knowledge which considers the cumulative learning acquired by practitioners over many years, specifically through hands-on action.
In this episode, we learn more about what practise-based knowledge is, why it’s so impo
S2E1 The Power of Connecting
Alone we cannot end violence against women and violence against children. Connecting with other researchers, funders, policymakers and survivors is an essential part of the work we do and we are passionate about bringing together multiple and diverse voices to embrace evidence and inform practice.
In this episode, we learn about the power of connecting ahead of the SVRI Forum which is taking place
S1E12 How To Conduct Research on Violence Against Women Ethically
Ethics must be considered ahead of any research which addresses violence against women. Safety is of paramount importance when working with vulnerable women, many of whom may have experienced violence or indeed may still be experiencing violence. All researchers in this space have an absolute duty of care to these women.
In this episode we learn about some of the critical components of designing a
S1E11 Decolonising Knowledge and Funding in the VAW field
Decolonising knowledge production in the field of violence against women is about empowerment. Instead of allowing Western ideals to dominate knowledge production, we must refocus our attention on the lived experiences of those who are most affected by violence, and whose expertise is often ignored, as we search for solutions.
In this episode we learn about the connection between practise based kn
S1E10 How to Conduct Research with Children Ethically
Researching violence against children is an incredibly important, yet ethically challenging task. How do we balance the importance of involving children in research with safeguarding their health and well-being?
Our guests have made ethics a priority in their research, considering and addressing any potential harm that may be caused - and they share their learnings.
In this episode we find out why
S1E9 The Power of Activism and Women’s Movements
It is often the passion and activism of women’s movements that powers and transforms evidence to influence policy change. So how can we support activists and their movements and help create impact?
Bringing activists together with researchers and other experts is key as effective research and action on violence against women and violence against girls requires a holistic approach to knowledge shar
S1E8 Research for Impact
Research is only useful if it leads to meaningful change. So, when assessing what works to end violence against women and violence against girls, how can we ensure research sparks action?
This is called research uptake, or research for impact, and is a process that’s too often neglected. Despite its undeniable importance, it's often poorly funded, difficult to measure and there’s little guidance o
S1E7 What Is The Evidence Telling Us?
Throughout this podcast we’ve heard about many incredible programmes that have been taking place globally to prevent violence against women and violence against girls. But which of these interventions have proven most effective - what is the evidence telling us?
This was a major question at the heart of the What Works To Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls’ programme, and in this episode we e
S1E6 Engaging Faith and Spiritual Leaders
Faith and spiritual leaders are influential, often deeply trusted members of their communities, with power to direct community attitudes on violence against women and violence against children. In this episode we find out why it’s critical that we engage faith and spiritual leaders to address these issues, we discuss the patriarchal nature of religion and faith, and the importance of bringing more
S1E5 Mental Health
The mental health impacts of sexual violence, abuse and exploitation are complex. To ensure the effectiveness of our mental health interventions post violence we need an intersectional understanding of the multiple manifestations of trauma. Whilst the diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder provides a framework to understand the process of trauma in survivors of sexual violence, to develop tru
S1E4 Ethical Funding in VAW prevention and response
Very little funding is dedicated to understanding what works to prevent violence against women and how to strengthen responses for survivors. And when research is funded, it’s often fragmented, project based, and short term. In order to address these issues, the SVRI has developed guidance on ethical funding - funding that is equitable, and gives everyone the opportunity to have their voices heard
S1E3 Global Shared Research Agenda
Funding in the field of violence prevention is often misdirected, with research agendas set by people far removed from the communities the research is meant to serve. The Global Shared Research Agenda is set to change that. It’s the first time the voices of practitioners, researchers and activists have sat centred and equal alongside academics and other specialists in the field. The GSRA is a coll
S1E2 Starting Young
Children who are exposed to violence are more likely to become perpetrators or victims as adults. They may also suffer from a variety of lifelong issues, from mental health problems to obesity. That’s why it’s crucial to begin violence prevention interventions at a young age, and to get buy-in from parents. In this episode we find out how research projects are working to break the cycle of abuse a
S1E1 Engaging Men
Engaging men in violence prevention interventions is crucial. Many of the issues we see today stem from harmful ideas of masculinity. In many societies these ideas lead to the justification of dominance over women and the use of intimate partner violence. In this episode we explore the many great research projects that are changing male perspectives, addressing the root causes of violence and crea
Trailer
This is a podcast from the SVRI, the Sexual Violence Research Initiative. Our vision is to see a world free of violence against women and violence against children. Hear from expert guests as we discover how to make that vision a reality.
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